New Delhi: Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare on Monday warned companies that they will face strict action if they fail to pass on the benefits of reduced Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates to consumers. “If we feel reduced GST hasn’t been passed on, it will be treated as an unfair practice. The warning comes as the new GST structure came into effect on Monday, reducing taxes on around 370 items, including essential goods and lifesaving medicines. Toiletries like soaps, shampoos, and hair oil, along with stationery items such as notebooks and pencils, now attract no GST. Cement for housing has also seen a major cut, dropping from 28 per cent to 18 per cent.